Heart Palpitations And Pregnancy

A woman’s body undergoes many physical, hormonal, as well as psychological changes during the nine months of the pregnancy. Some of these changes are quite noticeable such as an expanding belly, weight gain, tender and swollen breasts, aches or discomfort. Some other issues are not that noticeable but can still create issues. Increase in blood volume during pregnancy is one such change that is rarely noticed, but it can lead to faster resting heart rate as the heart has to work hard to circulate the extra blood. This extra exertion on the heart can sometimes lead to heart palpitations during pregnancy. So what are heart palpitations and what causes them during pregnancy?

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitation refers to an abnormal heartbeat; it can be irregular, slow, fast, or too frequent. The duration and intensity of heart palpitations may differ from person to person and can range from a few seconds to several hours. The good news is that heart palpitations during pregnancy is typically harmless; however, it can be disconcerting since usually, it is unnoticed. Heart palpitations during pregnancy sometimes may be indicative of some underlying medical complications, therefore it is always a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out any future issues.

What Causes Heart Palpitations during Pregnancy?

Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations are often considered a normal part of the pregnancy process. However, if you experience chest pain or difficulty in breathing, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition that demands a thorough medical checkup.

Harmless Causes of Heart Palpitations during pregnancy

It is important to note that not all the causes of heart palpitation during pregnancy are dangerous. Following are some of the harmless causes of irregular heartbeat during pregnancy:

anxiety & stress

increase blood volume

reaction to certain medications

reaction to some food items

hormonal changes

Some serious causes of Heart Palpitation during pregnancy

Here is a list of some more serious causes of irregular heartbeat during pregnancy:

heart arrhythmia

preeclampsia

pulmonary hypertension

thyroid problems

coronary artery diseases

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with irregular heartbeat during your pregnancy, you need to make sure you seek immediate medical help: